new reader!!lol!i was looking for the next chapter!!loved it!PAMS!PAMS!!

Okay, so I decided to post chapter 4 now, instead of later. =]
Are you guys excited to be deciding what happens after chapter 6? Cause I am!! I'm so super excited it's a little scary!! xD
The wonderful comments made by you guys keep me going, so keep replying!
*SQUEE* MAthI!!! You fill me with glee


Chapter 4: Explosion

Draco walked down to the dungeons, trying to hide his grin as the morning events ran through his mind. It took all he had to stop himself from turning around and running back into the Head common room and staying there with Hermione all day.
“Exploding snaps.”
The Slytherin common room looked the same as it always had. Nothing had changed in his absence. Draco had always felt safe here; there was just something about it that put his mind at rest. ‘Better than home.’ He thought. He walked across the room and threw himself onto the forest green sofa. He let his body sink into the soft cushions and closed his eyes. Before he could let his mind wander, he heard a door opening and the sound of footsteps trudging down the stairs.

“Draco?”
Draco smiled as he opened his eyes and stood up to greet his fellow Slytherin.
“Hey Blaise.”
“What are you doing down here? Thought you’d be avoiding Pansy after yesterday.”
“Oh, you uh, heard about that?” Draco asked rubbing the back of his neck.
Blaise snickered. “Draco, the entire Slytherin house heard about it. She came down here crying and screaming about how you had turned on the Slytherins, but like always, no one really paid any attention.”
Draco smiled. ‘Reputation is still safe.’
“Yeah. Actually, I came down here because I need someone to talk to about some things. Have any time?”
“Why even bother asking?” Blaise grinned and patted Draco on the back.

Walking out of the common room, Blaise noticed Draco had become sullen. Walking by the library, Draco stopped. Puzzled, Blaise looked into the library to see what he was staring at. The only ones that were in there was Hermione and Ginny. Blaise turned to Draco and was surprised to see his sullen face had brightened up in a way he had never seen before.

“Um, Draco? C’mon buddy, focus. Come on back.” Blaise said snapping his fingers in front of his face.
“Hmm? Oh, um, sorry Blaise. What were you saying?”
“I wasn’t saying anything. What were you staring at?”
“…Nothing.”
“Bull. You were staring at Granger, weren’t you?”
Draco’s eyes went wide. He looked around and pulled Blaise into a hidden passageway.
“How did you know?”
“Draco, I’m not as dimwitted as Parkinson. And don’t make me mention Crabbe and Goyle. You’ve been in a daze since that damn carriage ride.”
Draco ran a hand through his hair and slumped against the wall. “I don’t know what to do.”
Blaise chuckled. “You’re kidding, right?”
“What?”
“Don’t be stupid Draco. The second you told me you two had decided to become friends I knew it wasn’t going to stay that way for long.”
Draco sighed.
“I can’t help it. She intrigues me. She makes me feel like I’m actually worth while. She…cares.”
Blaise took a deep breath and slid down the wall next to Draco.
“Okay, look. I have nothing against this. You’re my best friend and we’ve been through a lot. You know that I will support you with any decision that you make, including this one, but you do realize this is a very dangerous game you’re playing? I’m not just talking about what your father would do anymore. Weasley believes that he owns that girl. I’m surprised you can even get a word in edgewise the way he hovers around her. The bloke is bloody insane, Draco.”

“I can handle it.” Draco said, his aggravation at the mention of Weasley growing. “Weasley is nothing. I’ve dealt with him before.”
“But this time you’re involving Hermione, and he does have a temper that can surpass your own, believe it or not.”
“Don’t worry about it! He isn’t going to stop me and Hermione from being together, if it happens, and I’m not going to let him. I’ll take care of this by myself.”
Blaise shook his head.
“You can’t always try to do it all on your own, Draco.”
“I have no choice.”
“Yes, you do! Stop acting like your father is here! Take help when it’s offered! You don’t need to do anything alone. Especially with me around. If you want her in your life, that’s something you need to learn.”
“What if she doesn’t want me?! What if she doesn’t care about me at all?!”
“Then she wouldn’t be wasting her time.”

Draco watched Blaise get up and walk toward the main corridor.
“You know where to find me if you need to talk again. And if you decide to let her in, let her know of the risks she’ll be taking.”
Draco nodded as Blaise walked out of sight. Looking around himself out of pure habit, Draco slowly got up and walked down the hallway, shoving his hands into his pockets.

*****
“So what’s going on?! I want to know everything!” Ginny exclaimed.
“Well,” Hermione smiled. “There is something I need to tell you. Harry sort of already knows.”
“Tell me!”
“Okay, well, it started on the carriage ride up here. Heads had to ride together so Draco and I had no choice. And to make a long story short, we decided to become friends.”
“Draco? Wow, that is weird. Especially him being the prat that he is! Has he been mean or anything at all?”
“No. That’s the surprising part. He was oddly nice when we first ran into each other at the Prefect meeting. He even yelled at Parkinson for almost calling me a Mudblood. He’s changed a great deal.”
“How do you think that happened? So fast I mean.” Ginny asked.
Hermione shuddered when she remembered the scars along Dracos back.
“I’m not sure. But there’s…a bit more than just us being…friends.”

Ginny looked at Hermione intently.
“What do you mean…more than just friends?”
“Well, umm, okay, you see, Draco and I have…kissed.”
“Are you joking?!”
“No…”
“Hermione! That’s amazing!!”
“What?”
“You kissed Draco Malfoy! You’ve done something no other girl has been able to do! You cracked his surface!”
“Ginny…you’re taking this so well. Are you alright?” Hermione grinned.
“I’m excited for you! Do you think you two will possibly think about…going out?”
“Oh! I don’t think so.”
“Why not?”
“There’s too much standing in the way. And Ron is the biggest.”
Ginny rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry about Ron. Do you like Draco?”
“Yes, I do but…”
“Then nothing should be holding you back. As long as Draco isn’t being a bloody git like he always is then I approve. And I’m sure Harry does too. We’re all you need. Ron will come around. He’s just slow and very stubborn.”

Hermione sighed and looked down at the book that she was reading. But she found that she couldn’t concentrate on the words. Would Ron be able to put aside his infatuation and just be happy for her? ‘Yeah, and Voldemort will apparate himself into Azkaban.’ She thought. It was useless.

Walking down to the Great Hall was actually a very good way to let go of some steam. Draco found this out in his second year. He sat down at the Slytherin table. Blaise and the others were already there.
“Hey mate. Where have you been? Thought I would’ve seen you around after this morning.” Blaise said.
“I decided to take a very long walk around the grounds.”
“Good idea. Pansy was looking for you all day. But some of the girls were saying that she locked herself in Myrtles bathroom. Driving the poor girl crazy.” Blaise laughed.
Draco laughed with him and relaxed.

A half hour or so had passed when Hermione and Ginny walked into the Great Hall. Draco watched them walk in. He still couldn’t believe how gorgeous Hermione looked in her mini skirt. ‘To think how a muggle came up with that is beyond me.’ He thought. Hermione looked over to the Slytherin table and locked eyes with Draco. Noticing this, Draco smirked and winked in her direction. Hermione blushed and sat down next to Harry and Ginny. Draco’s smile soon fell when he saw the way Ron was looking at her. It looked as if he was undressing her with his eyes. He didn’t look happy or loving towards her like he always did, he almost looked…menacing.

Draco felt uneasy throughout the duration of dinner.
“Blaise.”
“Yeah?”
“Look at the weasel.”
Blaise looked over at Ron and shook his head.
“What about him? Besides the fact that he eats like an animal.”
“Something’s wrong. I don’t like the way he’s looking at Hermione.”
Blaise looked again and nodded.
“If looks could kill, Hermione could do it in a second. No wonder he’s staring at her. I’m surprised he’s actually eating the food in front of him instead of her.”
Draco scowled with a look of pure hatred towards Ron.

“Jealous?”
“Of what?”
“That he’s sitting with her, and you’re not?”
Draco considered this a moment.
“No, I get her to myself when we’re in the common room. There’s just something wrong with him.”
“How can you tell?”
“Just really look at him. He’s never looked that way before.”
Blaise squinted his eyes and focused on Ron’s face. It was pale and his eyes looked cold and distant. But he still had that smug grin painted on.
“Well, he does look off, but I don’t think it’s anything you should worry about. Just try and forget it, mate.”

Draco turned to look at Hermione again. He was worried, and he knew it, he just didn’t know why all of these feelings were ganging up on him all at once. Hermione was laughing with Ginny, talking quietly with her, obviously not wanting Harry or Ron to hear. She looked up and gave Draco a wide smile. He couldn’t help but give her a small smile back before continuing his meal.

*****
Walking down the hall after dinner, Draco scanned the hall for Hermione. The hall full of students had begun to diminish and soon he was one of the few students left. Figuring she went back to the common room, he climbed the stairs slowly with his hand gripping the banister. When he reached the top of the stairs, he heard a faint crying sound. It was coming from Myrtle’s bathroom, so he obviously assumed it was her, but something pulled him towards it anyways.

Pushing open the door, he poked his head in and looked around. The floor was covered with water, all the sinks were turned on and the toilets were overflowing. A faint light was glimmering off of the water as he made his way to the center of the bathroom.
“Malfoy!”
Draco spun around with his wand pointed towards the sound, his eyes shooting wildly back and forth.
“And what do you intend to do with that?”
Draco let out a breath of relief and put his wand away.
“Scared you, didn’t I? Well, that’s what you get for coming into the GIRLS bathroom. I should have you reported right now, but… it’s been so long since a boy has been in here.”
Myrtle floated around Draco, sighing as she rested her head on his shoulder and wrapped her ghostly arms around him. Draco pushed through her arms and whipped around to face her.

“Look, I only came in here because I heard someone crying. Was it you or is someone else in here?”
Myrtle pouted and dove into the water covered floor, popping her head back up.
“There is another girl in here. She burst in here early this morning, muttering something or other about some boy that couldn’t see the error of his ways. She ran into that stall, over there, but I haven’t talked to her at all, oh no. Why would I want to concern myself with some foolish little girls love life?”
Draco looked at the stall Myrtle pointed too, and slowly walked over and pushed the door open. Pansy was sitting on top of the toilet, avoiding the falling water coming out of it. She looked up and her face lit up when she saw Draco.
“Draco! I knew you would come for me!” she exclaimed, throwing herself onto him.
He immediately pushed her off and she fell back and hit her back on the edge of the stall door.

“I only came to bring you back to the Slytherin common room. I am Head Boy and soon, you will be out after hours. So before your thoughtlessness loses our House points, I suggest you come with me now.”
Pansy could only stare at Draco and pout. She looked at him longingly, begging him to reconsider.
“Move it, Parkinson! I don’t have all bloody night!”
Pansy made her way to the door with Draco following and practically ran down the stairs. She kept a good distance from him the entire way down. When they reached the painting to the common room, he stood at the end of the small corridor and watched as she slowly said the password and entered the common room.

Shaking his head, Draco turned around and walked down the hall. He suddenly stopped when he felt a sliver of pain run through his chest. He leaned against the wall, his hand gripping his head. ‘Something’s wrong.’ He looked around. Nothing. His thoughts were racing as he tried to think of what could be making him feel like this. His eyes grew wide at the thought of Hermione. He gathered himself together and bolted down the corridor to the portrait of Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin, praying that nothing happened to Hermione.

*****

“So what was it like?” Ginny asked. She was anxious to know everything about Hermione and Draco.
“I don’t know. It wasn’t that long of a kiss, but it was pretty amazing, actually. I had no idea that Draco could make someone feel that way without saying anything. Nothing like Harry’s kiss…”
“Wait, what?” Ginny stopped in her tracks. She was looking at Hermione with confusion and hurt.
“Oh. Ginny, it’s not what it sounds like. Harry thought he had feelings for me, so he asked me to kiss him to get his mind straight…so I did. It was nothing. I promise. Harry and I are just friends. Besides, it seemed like you two were getting along very well at dinner.”
Ginny smiled and started walking with Hermione again.
“We had an interesting conversation yesterday when you left for the library. But I’ll tell you about that later. I want to know more about Draco!”
Hermione laughed. “There’s really nothing more to tell. We’ve only kissed that one time.”

With the thought of Draco running through her mind more and more, Hermione was wondering if he was thinking about her too.
“What are you going to do about Ron?”
“Hmm? Ron?” Hermione sighed. “I have no idea. I could let this run its course I guess. That’s all I can do. He doesn’t want me to talk to Draco but that’s something he’s going to learn to deal with. I mean, if you and Harry can deal with it, than why can’t he?”
“I know. Ron is stubborn like that, but he means well. He cares about you a lot Hermione.”
“Yeah, and I care about him too, but just not in that way. I guess, maybe, at one point I did, but that feeling is long gone.”
“Especially with Draco around.” Ginny smiled.
The girls laughed and continued walking to the Gryffindor common room. When they got to the portrait of the fat lady, they said their good-byes and parted.

As Hermione started walking down to her own common room, she couldn’t help but get the feeling that someone was following her. She looked behind her, but saw no one, so she brushed it off and continued walking. Suddenly, a hand popped out of the air and covered her mouth. Her muffled screams was the only sound that filled the hallway. Another arm wrapped around her arms and started dragging her towards the astronomy tower. Hermione kicked and fought against the strong arms holding her down. Finally, the assailant had enough. He turned Hermione around and pointed a wand in her face. She stopped moving and stared straight at the wand.

“Petrificus Totalus.”
Hermione felt herself get stiff.
“Mobiliarbus.” Hermione rose in the air and watched carefully as the assailant and her floating body, made their way up the stairs to the astronomy tower. ‘Help. Someone help, please someone come.’ All Hermione could do was think. She dared not to speak with no protection against herself. Who knows what this person would do to her? ‘Draco. Oh God, please let Draco come. Somehow.’
Hermione thoughts stopped when she felt the cool stones of the floor hit her back. She saw the floating wand point at her. She closed her eyes and expected the worst.
“Finite Incantatum.” Hermione flashed open her eyes and felt the invisible confines holding her body still, let go. She looked around and gasped when she saw that her assailant had taken off his invisibility cloak.

“Ron?!”
Ron was standing there with a smug look on his face.
“Hermione, I just want to talk to you.”
“Merlin’s beard! Why couldn’t you talk to me like a normal person instead of scaring the wits out of me?!”
“Because every time I try too lately Malfoy always seems to pop up! Even if he’s not near you, he’s still there. Watching your every move! I wanted to get you alone.”
“You could’ve just asked. You don’t have to be a bloody git.”
“Can you please not call me that?” Ron’s face was getting red.
“I’ll call you whatever I want, Ronald. You had no right to do what you did tonight.”
“You have no right to talk to Malfoy as if he was never mean to you! People don’t change over night!”
“You’re impossible! Some people do change Ron! Maybe you and Draco switched personalities or something because you’re turning into a bigger prat than he ever was!”
Ron took hold of Hermione’s shoulders and slammed her against the wall. She made a tiny yelp as she felt her head smack against the hard stone. She looked up at Ron and saw the fury in his eyes.
“Don’t you ever compare me to Malfoy again, you understand?!”

All Hermione could do was nod. She was too frightened to do anything else. Ron was gripping her shoulders tightly, digging his nails into her skin. She winced as he began to draw blood.
“Ron, please…let go. You’re hurting me. Please…”
“Oh, like Malfoy almost killed me?!” He was yelling into her ear now, anger swelling up inside of him. How could she be so stupid? “You will never talk to him again!”
“Ron…you can’t tell me who to tal-”
SMACK!
“I said…you will NEVER talk to him again.”

Hermione’s cheek was red from where Ron hit her. She couldn’t believe what was happening. Ron had gone completely berserk. Hermione only had one shot. As she felt his tight grip on her loosening, she kicked with all her might. He grabbed his knee and shouted in pain. She didn’t look back as she ran towards the door.
“Crucio!”
Hermione screamed and fell to the floor in a heap. Ron walked over to her and looked down on her fallen form. He sighed and made his way down the stairs and back to the Gryffindor tower, leaving Hermione alone.

*****
“Fire Whiskey.”
The portrait opened and Draco ran inside. He quickly looked around and ran up to Hermione’s room and threw open the door.
“Damn it!” he yelled as he slammed the door shut. “I gotta find out where she is.”
He ran into his room and quickly opened the trunk at the end of his bed and pulled out his black leather bag. He shuffled around some items until he finally grasped what he was searching for. He pulled out a golden hand mirror, sleek and smooth to the touch. He looked at it nervously, but pointed his wand at it nonetheless.

“Revealio, Granger.” The smooth surface of the mirror began to swirl with white and blue smoke until a hazy image started to appear. Hermione’s shaky figure began to come in clearer, still lying in a heap on the floor of the astronomy tower. She was breathing heavy, he noticed, and she could barely move. Draco stared in shock, his eyes wide with terror. He threw the mirror down on his bed and ran towards the astronomy tower, nearly hitting the wall on his way out.

*****

Ron!!!no....!well he is turning into the biggest prat ever!i think he really did switch personalities with Draco!!awesoem chapter!!!after the sixth chapter... i never even thought about it...!!

I'm so excited!!

*SQUEE*!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG
y in every dracomione i read
ron turns into a absisive
if i cant have u no one can
kind of person
y cant someone just make him understand

How could ron do such a thing

that post was so long

i know this sounds crazy but could you make it shorter next time

love voldyXOXOXOXOOX

RONALD BILLIUS WEASLEY!!!! I am going to kill him!

How bloody dare he!!! I predict that Ron will be in big trouble by either Draco, Harry or Ginny, or all three!!

Jemmz
xxx

** NEW READER ALERT **

This is really cool. I am a huge D/Hr shipper!! OMG this is done really well. I don't mind the whole Draco and Hermione getting cosy part. Is all good!!!

PAMS PAMS PAMS!!!!

Jade
xxxxxxxxxxx

haha, thats just the way things go.

hermione + draco = grumpy ron
=)

voldemort&88; i would make it shorter if i could, but i already have the story cut into chapters. =] and it would be too much hassle for me (im very impatient)
just read in sections, love.

WHOOT!! new readers = LOVE

Okay

love voldyXOXOOX

Need a new post!

Hermoine had better be all right otherwise I will hex Ron... oh wait I already have

Keep going BABYFAYCETM!! I love this fic!!

Jemma
xxx

From what I've read of this so far, I really like it, PAMS!!

i love it!!!!!!
this is very true draco + hermione = grumpy ron

lo lol lol

keep goin

omG, i love the responses!!


padfoot = excited!!!!

im sorry, but im gonna have to make you guys wait until monday, because thats where the next chapter is saved...but its worth the wait i promise!! =]

SQUEE

Here's chapter 5!! Just like I promised!!
Only one more chapter until you guys control it!! yay!


Chapter 5: Karma

He ran as fast as he could. He needed to get to her, to find out what happened. ‘Please don’t let this be what I think it is.’ He finally reached the astronomy tower and made his way up the stairs, taking two to three at a time. When he finally reached the top, he pulled out his wand and slowly pushed the door open. It was quiet and peaceful, along with the soft sound of ragged breathing. His eyes landed on Hermione, who was trying to sit herself up against the wall.
“Hermione…” he whispered. He walked over and kneeled down in front of her. Her face was bent down. He raised his hand up to turn her face towards his, but she flinched at the sudden movement. Draco watched her fidget with herself, a ripping feeling of sorrow filling his body. Confused at the feeling, he sat down slowly next to her and rested his back on the wall. If she wasn’t going to tell him what happened, he would just have to sit and wait for it to all come spilling out.

She couldn’t stand another human being in the room with her. She wanted to be alone, why wouldn’t this person just go away? Somehow, she knew the person wasn’t leaving on his own account, but he wasn’t going to go if she told him too either. ‘Would he go and get someone else to help me?’ she thought to herself.
“D-Draco.” She started shakily. “Go get Draco…”
The person laughed quietly and scooted closer to Hermione’s delicate body.
“N-no.., I want Draco…”
“Look at me, Hermione.”
Slowly and carefully, she turned her head towards the person. Her eyes grew wide and had begun to fill with tears. Blondish-white hair was cascading down in front of his eyes as she threw herself onto him with all the strength she had left. She cried into his chest as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. He rubbed her back carefully and stroked her hair with his other hand.

They stayed there for a few minutes, Draco rocking her back and forth to try and calm her down. Finally, he slowly pushed her off of his chest and looked down at her. She was a torn person, and he knew how that felt. He felt her shivering now, and mentally smacked himself for not taking her back to the dorm sooner. He helped her stand up, her legs wobbly from the intense pain of the curse. It was a slow walk down the stairwell to the hallway, but Draco’s patience had grown with her. ‘Blaise was right.’ He said to himself. ‘You’re starting to care for her.’ He realized that this wasn’t just a game for him any more. It might’ve started off that way, but now he knew that she was growing on him, he just didn’t want to admit it.

Stumbling into the common room, he quickly helped Hermione to the couch and pulled a blanket around her. She took the blanket gratefully and wrapped it tightly around herself. Draco went around and brought a cup of water to her lips. When she wouldn’t drink it, Draco sighed.
“You need to drink something, Hermione. Try?”
Hermione glanced at Draco and slowly took the cup from his hands. Hermione shivered as the cool water ran down her dry throat. Draco smiled slightly as he watched her put the cup on the table and lean back into the couch, closing her eyes.

“You going to tell me what happened or are you going to torture me by making me wait?”
“I...I don’t think I can talk about it right now.”
Draco sighed and got up. “Alright. But it’s a good idea to tell me while it’s still fresh in your mind, rather than waiting.”
He walked up the stairs to his room and left the door open a crack. Hermione’s thoughts were going back and forth in her mind. ‘Should I tell him?’ This was the last thing she was thinking before she fell into a fitful sleep.

*****
DING DONG!

Hermione jumped and looked around before frowning and sending a few curse words in the direction of the clock. She had fallen asleep a little over an hour but it only felt like a few minutes. Her body ached and she suddenly remembered why. She also remembered how she got back to the dorm. Draco. He wanted to know what happened. She looked towards his room and found that his door was still open a bit. Deciding that he had a right to know, she slowly forced herself to climb up the stairs and through his door. She took a deep breath at the sight of his room, dark and almost sinister, but it had this innocence about it that she couldn’t place. Green snakes were carved into the sides of the walls, creating an almost scary presence. She hesitated at first, afraid that if she went in, she would be cursed and hexed until she couldn’t breath. Looking around the room once more, she saw the outline of Draco’s sleeping form. Shaking off the feelings of possibly being killed by walking into this room, she staggered over to the bed. She slowly sat down on the edge, pain ripping through her body, relieved that she wouldn’t have to walk anymore for a while.

Draco stirred slightly; awaken by the sudden movement on his bed. ‘What the hell is going on?’
When he saw Hermione’s hair he shot up. “Hey.” He whispered.
At the sudden noise, Hermione jumped then groaned in pain, holding on to the side of the bed for support.
“Don’t do that!” Hermione squealed.
“Sorry. I didn’t expect you to come in here. What are you doing in here anyway?”
“You said you wanted me to talk about what happened…”
“Yeah, but I didn’t actually think that you would listen. Since when does Hermione Granger need advice?”
“Since she found out what a crutacious curse feels like.”

The silence that passed between them was crushing. Draco almost didn’t believe her, but then again the signs were all there. He reached over and gently grabbed her arms.
“What are you doing?” she asked, panicked.
“Relax.” He whispered.
He pulled her back gently so that she was leaning up against his pillows. He looked down at her and something shot through his body. He was angry, but he couldn’t exactly figure out why. He forced himself to look away and swallowed back the tears that threatened to flow. Running his hands in his hair, he stared at the wall. What were these feelings rushing through him? Did he actually care that someone had used crucio on her?
‘Yes! You care Draco! Admit it you git! You care about her!’

“Draco?”
He didn’t stir. He just sat there, staring at the wall. Hermione was getting worried that Draco was having second thoughts about her. She didn’t know if telling him was a good idea after all.
“Maybe I should go…”
“Who did it?” he said suddenly.
“What?”
Draco turned around and looked Hermione in the eyes. Slowly and carefully he repeated his words.
“Who did it, Hermione?”
Hermione hesitated, she didn’t want to get Ron in trouble, but then again, he would get what he deserved. She should probably just tell McGonagall about what happened. Right?
“It’s not important, Draco.”
“Don’t give me that! I want to know who did this to you Hermione! WHO DID IT?!”

Frightened by his sudden outburst, she backed away from him. She couldn’t go far without falling off the bed, but she didn’t want to get hit again. Realization flushed through her body and more tears slowly came out. Draco cursed at himself mentally. ‘Damn it.’ He thought. He took hold of Hermione’s arm and, against her protests, pulled her close to him and held her in his arms.

“I’m sorry.” He said. “I didn’t mean to yell at you. I’m sorry, Hermione.”
They sat there for a moment, lost in each other’s world. Hermione had stopped crying a little and she felt almost content in his arms, but she knew she would have to face reality soon enough. ‘How do I tell him what happened?’ she thought. But he spoke before she could think more on the subject.
“Look, you don’t have to tell me right now if you don’t want too, but I really would like to know. I care about you, Hermione. It’s eating me up inside that someone could do that to you.”
“Why do you care?”
“What do you mean why do I care? Why wouldn’t I?”
“I’m a Mudblood, remember? Purebloods like you hate Mudbloods. You’ve made that perfectly clear the past five years.”

Draco pulled away from Hermione a bit and looked down at her.
“Everything that I’ve done tonight, and what I’ve said to you the past few days mean nothing?”
Hermione just sat and looked at him, she could see anger and shock welling in his eyes and she wanted to pull away. But she stayed, somehow knowing that he wouldn’t hurt her.
“I thought that you would be the one person to believe me. All of these damn feelings that I have for you won’t go away and you can just sit there and tell me that you only think I’m doing this for fun?”
Hermione opened her mouth to speak but he cut her off.

“I know you didn’t say it out loud, but I’m sure that’s what you’re thinking. Damn it, Hermione! I told you I had changed and these feelings prove it. I’ve never felt this way about anybody!”
“Draco, those feelings are just tricks. You can’t possibly feel that way about me.”
“Tell me then.”
“Tell you what?”
“Tell me you don’t feel the same way. Tell me that when we’re close, when I’m holding you, you don’t feel better, that you don’t feel like you’ve finally found something in you’re life worth holding onto. Tell me that and I’ll leave you alone.”

They stared at each other for a minute. Hermione didn’t know what to say. Of course she felt that way, she couldn’t pin the feelings, but they were there. ‘Don’t screw this up, Hermione.’ She thought. She gave Draco a small smile and raised her hands behind his head. She winced a little, the pain from the curse still coursing over her body, but she rested her hands on the back of his neck and pulled him closer. It was as if the world stopped at that very moment. Sparks flew through each of them as they kissed in earnest. Hermione loved the way that Draco kissed her, and he knew it. Slowly and passionately, he kissed her until she finally pulled away and buried her head into his chest. She tugged on him, and he laughed silently as he pulled her closer to his body. She smiled and they quickly fell asleep peacefully for the first time in days.

*****
The next few weeks were stressful but Hermione had managed to pull through. She still hadn’t told Draco about Ron, and she intended on keeping it that way. Harry though, had noticed a change in the way Hermione acted. She would never stay with him when Ron was around and she was always leaving early to go to the library or to her dorm after meals. Her behavior was becoming more and more odd, she barely even talked to Harry anymore! Walking down the corridor going to Transfiguration, Harry saw Hermione resting against a tall pillar, obviously waiting for someone.

“Hey, Hermione.”
“Harry! What are you doing here?”
“On my way to Transfiguration. Want to walk with me?”
“Uhm…” Hermione looked around and shook her head. “I’m actually waiting for someone. But I’ll see you in class.”

Getting a confused and awkward look on his face, Harry didn’t move.
“Hermione, is something wrong?”
“What do you mean? Everything’s fine.”
“No, it’s not. You’re never around, you always leave early at meals, and you always seem to disappear when Ron shows up. Is it something I did or said?”
“Harry, no, it’s not you.”
“Then what is it? I can’t take not seeing my best friend and if something is bothering you, I want to know.”

Hermione sighed and placed her books and bag on the ground. She folded her arms across her chest and tried to hug herself, a look on her face that showed she was thinking hard. Harry walked up to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. She looked at him and he smiled.

“You can trust me, Hermione.”
Hermione smiled and nodded. She took a deep breath.
“It’s Ron.”
“Ron? What’d he do?”
“Well, it’s actually a long story.”
“I’m waiting.”
Hermione sighed again and told Harry the entire story, how she was walking the halls and how Ron had hid himself under Harry’s invisibility cloak. When she was finished, Harry had a far off look on his face. Hermione was afraid that he didn’t believe her, until he grabbed her and pulled her into a tight and constricting hug.

“Harry!”
“Hermione, I’m so sorry. I had no idea! If I had known what he was going to do, I wouldn’t have let him borrow my cloak.”
“Harry, Harry, its okay.” She said patting him on the back. “It’s not your fault.”
Releasing her, Harry had begun to cry a little.
“Harry, don’t cry. I’m fine.”
“I don’t understand why Ron would do that to you.”
“He doesn’t want me talking to Draco. He made this big deal about it when he hit me.”
“What did Draco say about all this?”
“Well…I haven’t told him.”
“Hermione!”
“Oh, Harry, please don’t tell! I don’t know what Draco would do, but I don’t want to find out. I’ll tell him eventually, just give me some time to think it out!”

Harry looked at her and nodded his head.
“I’ll see you in class. I’ll save a seat for you.”
Before he turned around to leave and noticed Draco walking over to them.
“And for Malfoy.” Then he turned and walked away.

Transfiguration was extremely boring. Everyone in class was talking about Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy suddenly talking and being civil to each other, while Ron sat on the other side of the room with a sour look on his face. Other than the talk and the rumors going around, it was the same old boring class, with only Hermione raising her hand and answering every question. No one would guess what would happen afterwards.

*****
“So I’ll meet you by the lake after I get this paperwork out of the way.”
“Ugh, why do you always have to do favors for that damn librarian? She’s just *****y and mean…and old.”
Draco was holding Hermione next to the library door, not wanting to let her go. ‘Why does she always have to do that old broads’ paperwork anyway? It’s not like it has anything to do with her.’
“Draco, I do it because then I get into the Restricted Section no questions asked. And that’s really helpful for Harry.”
Draco sighed. “Alright, fine.”
Hermione smiled and kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll see you later.”
“What? I only get a cheek kiss? Someone with my handsome face should get a little more then that.”
Hermione turned around and giggled quietly. “I said I’ll see you later.”

And with that she walked into the library and closed the door. Draco smirked and walked down the long hallway leading to the lake. He was thinking about how his life had changed dramatically, when someone bumped into him and almost knocked him over. Stumbling back, Draco looked over and scowled.

“Watch where you’re going, Weasley.”
“Shut up, Malfoy.”
“Oh, good comeback. If I were you, I would go find a book that could help with these kind of things.”
“If you were me, you would know what happened with Hermione.”
Draco’s smirk suddenly fell. Ron smiled smugly and started to walk away.
“Where do you think you’re going, Weasley?”
“Away from you.”
“Don’t think so.”

Draco walked up to Ron and, with his face inches away, spoke harshly. “What do you know about what happened to Hermione?”
Ron’s smile stayed planted on his face.
“What do I know about it? Let me tell you a little secret, Malfoy.”
Ron leaned in close and whispered in his ear.
“I did it.”

In a matter of seconds you wouldn’t be able to tell where Ron began and Draco ended. Rage had flooded Draco’s entire body and he didn’t hold back from letting it all out on Ron. He threw him against the wall, kicked him in the side, threw him against the other wall and slammed him into the floor when he tried to get up. Ron’s wand had fallen out of his hand and rolled down to the end of the hallway, where Harry picked it up. Confused Harry looked down the hallway and stopped short. Draco. Ron. Fighting. Bolting down to the library, Harry slammed open the doors.

“HERMIONE!”
Both Hermione and the librarian jumped at the sound of Harry’s voice.
“Young man, keep your voice down!”
Harry ignored her and ran over to Hermione, grabbing her arm and pulling her out of the library and down the hallway.
“Harry, what are you doing?! Have you gone mad?”
“Draco and Ron. Fighting in the hall! Hurry up!”

Harry never released his grasp on Hermione’s arm. When they got to the end of the corridor, it was filled with a circle of students, all cheering and gasping at what was going on in the middle of them. Harry pushed his way through, with Hermione right behind him. What Hermione saw almost made her sick. Ron was trying to crawl away from Draco, blood coming out of his nose and mouth. Was he crying? Hermione couldn’t tell. She watched in horror as Draco’s anger continued to blast down on Ron. Why was he doing this? She looked at Harry and she pulled his head down so that her mouth was level with his ear.

“Ow!”
“What did you tell Draco?”
“I didn’t tell him anything! I swear! I haven’t seen him since you told me except in classes.”
Hermione let go of Harry and looked back onto the fight that was happening right in front of her. Draco was screaming at Ron, holding him by his shirt with a fist in front of his face, ready to hit again. Ron was barely moving, but you could see the terror in his eyes.

“DON’T YOU EVER TOUCH HER AGAIN, YOU UNDERSTAND ME?! DON’T YOU LAY ANOTHER FILTHY HAND ON HER EVER!”
“Draco! Stop!”
“Hermione, don’t!”
Ignoring Harry’s warning, Hermione slowly went over to Draco and Ron. She looked into Draco’s eyes and what saw her scared her out of her wits. His eyes were no longer the electric blue and silver that she had come to love, but they were dark gray and cloudy, unreadable. His face softened a little when he heard her voice, but he kept his strong hold on Ron, not taking his gaze off of him.

“Draco, please. Let go of him. There’s no more that you can do about this.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because this is what I was afraid would happen. Draco, let go of him.”
Draco finally took his gaze off Ron and stared at Hermione. He threw Ron to the ground and brushed his hands off on his robes. Tears were welling in his eyes and he turned away from the crowd of people.
“Draco, why would you go and hurt someone like that when you know that it wouldn’t help anything?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He said calmly, forcing the tears down. “I feel great.”
His smirk threw Hermione off guard and she gave him a tiny smile and rested a hand on his arm.
“I never went out with Ron because of his inability to control his anger. Please Draco, can you tell me that this won’t happen again?”

Pulling her into a hug, he wrapped his arms tightly around her.
“I promise.”

*****

omg chapter 5!

no way! xD

wow!!awesome chapter!!PAMS!PAMS!!

PS:Gladyou're back Padfoot!!!

xD yay

I loved it Padfoot!

Draco and Harry being civil!! I must be dreaming.

Ron and Draco fighting, that sounds more reasonable!

Jemma
xxx

I've finally made my way though this. I really really really like it Normally I don't read HR/D because I find myself wishing that it actually happened, so instead I read/write S/R.

PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS

Ok this was definetly my favorite chapter so far!
I sat here grinning like an idiot as I was reading the part were Draco was beating Ron up!(I couldnt help it!)
How are we gonna start controling the chapters?
GREAT JOB!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sabrina_Snape

Draco and Harry being civil!! I must be dreaming.

Ron and Draco fighting, that sounds more reasonable!

#giggles#
Thanks Padfoot

great post Gemma took the words from my mouth

love voldyXOXOOXOX

haha I'm glad you like it =)
btw, I've never heard of S/R. Who is it ? xD

lol, yeah, I love the Draco beating up Ron part. It was fun to write xD
After chapter 6, I'll ask you guys a few questions and whatnot and then you answer them (durr) and then I'll post chapter 7 as soon as I can. =)

always glad to be of service =)

Scorpius/Rose, so in other words the ship that can happen because HR/D didn't. Hermione and Ron's daughter and Draco's son

Ohhh I see.

I've never even thought about reading about them. xD
haha. maybe I'll have to check it out now.